Property

Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?

Rules on undergrowth clearance and habitat protection come into play

French ski resort properties avoid energy rental ban (for a while)

Ban on category G properties is postponed until 2034 in mountain regions

French ‘property use’ declarations: who has to do this in 2025 and by when?

Declarations have been required since 2023

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French police can check your home (and elderly relatives) when you are away

Here is how to sign up for the service, as well as a special check for elderly people. Plus, advice on how to avoid ‘fake police’ scams

Gale warnings: how to limit damage to your home in France and errors to avoid

Securing outdoors furniture is a key step to help avoid serious damage

Garden clearing obligations to be extended in south of France

Owners who fail to clear undergrowth face fines

France plans crackdown on fraud around obligatory energy ratings for homes

All homes being sold or let need an up-to-date DPE

What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property?

Electric fences are not solely for agricultural purposes

Why this widely-used gardening tool can land you a large fine in France

Stores are banned from selling the item

Small lakeside French hamlet to be sold at auction - starting price €450,000

The tourist site has a collection of 13 gîtes and a swimming pool

Water leak leaves home owner in France facing €35,000 bill

Expert report states broken pipes were result of earthworks by local mairie, but they refuse to pay

'How we are reviving our Belle Epoque property on the edge of Lyon'

This period home from 1900 is a functioning hotel filled with antique furniture and artefacts

Property watch: See what €50,000, €250,000 and over €1million buys in Hautes-Pyrénées

Its main city Tarbes has good transport links and there are many mountain property bargains to be had

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

French home energy cheque aid will be sent later in 2025 - who gets this?

Changes mean vouchers can no longer be used for eco-renovations

French church for sale for €362,500 - could be turned into a home

The 539m² building on classified ad website Leboncoin is due to be deconsecrated

Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to increase property purchase fees

Local councils have been given ability to raise fees in new budget

How much do energy efficiency renovations cost in France?

Owners will want to ensure properties improve by at least two DPE ratings, increasing the work and cost needed

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

We look at some less well-known possibilities as tax hike looms

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Certain plans go back to the 1800s

Map: Sale prices of flats across France and how they rose or fell in 2024

Areas including Corsica and Poitiers saw prices rise, but significant falls of nearly -8% elsewhere were recorded

How much do flats and houses rent for in your area of France? See official data

An interactive map allows you to check at commune level

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Reductions related to length of ownership start after five years

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Some areas require chimneys to be swept multiple times per year

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

The value of a property can often be above tax-free sums on inheritance

When will ‘notaire fees’ for property purchases increase in France?

All departments are likely to vote in favour of raising fees

Photos: The best places to buy a second home in Provence named in new ranking

The list considered 28 criteria to rank 90 villages in the sought-after region

Five ways the latest 2025 budget will impact property owners in France

Changes include increasing notaire fees, tax exemption from property gifts and the extension of the Loc'Avantages rental scheme

Buying a property in France may cost more from April as ‘notaire fees’ allowed to rise

Departments can opt to increase fees by 0.5% under 2025 budget

Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year?

The Biens immobiliers form was introduced in 2023

Is there an official complaints process against notaires in France?

Notaires are legally responsible for their own practices

Is French property slump ending? : Key points in latest notaire review

The post-Covid slowdown is close to its end, but warning factors remain

French house prices 2024: how did your area fare in new notaire data?

Cities including Reims and Dijon recorded sales price falls of over -10% - however the slump is said to be over

Auction website now shows French properties for sale from estate agents and notaires

Site aims for quick and transparent property sales

Property watch: See what €50,000, €200,000 and €3.4m buys you in Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Discover the allure and challenges of living in France's stunning Basque coast region

Natural disaster recognition in process for flooding in west France – what does it change for impacted homeowners?

Interior minister begins accelerated process for zone declaration

Latest property energy efficiency rules as parliament rejects bill

Landlords now have to follow the climate law rules without exception

Bin collections in western France changed amid cross-border dumping row

Changes in Dordogne led to inhabitants dumping rubbish in easier-to-access bins in nearby Charente

Does being an EU citizen affect rate of French property taxes?

Two main property taxes may be due each year

France's ‘garden shed tax’ sees 2025 rise, find new rates below

Completed property extensions and new constructions have to be declared to your mairie within 90 days

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals

Legal: French court rules against using neighbour's land for parking

A droit de servitude (right of way) is not for mere convenience, rules France's highest court

French landlord faces questions over near 300% increase in heating costs

Tenants face eviction after increase in bills leaves them facing heavy debts

France's heat pump market drops as second home owners opt for alternatives

Despite government support, declining sales and high costs hinder heat pump adoption, especially in second homes

Little-known Linky meter trick can help people in France save on energy bills

Information transmitters plugged into meter give real-time information about electricity consumption

Over-60s can now unlock capital from their home in France

Mortgage solutions to tap into a niche market remain available after the closure one scheme

MAP: French property price variations in 2024 by region

Only one region saw house prices increase last year

French towns selling off land cheaply benefit from population growth

Land sold for as little as €1/m² helps rejuvenate rural areas and increase commercial activity

What is cost of septic tank diagnostic when selling a French second home?

Tests are mandatory before selling your property

Is there a register of certified local chimney sweeps in France to use?

Only professional sweeps can provide certificate that chimney has been swept

French authorities use AI to help recoup €200 million in unpaid tax from one department alone

Undeclared swimming pools and property extensions can be captured by AI imagery

French property bounce back: where is leading the way?

Improved purchasing power and higher prices in urban areas are driving the trend, estate agents report

Many older French properties hit by energy audit

Low-energy efficiency ratings are increasingly unattractive to buyers

Is taxe d’habitation required for flats let in French farmhouse?

Taxes due depend on the status of the property

PHOTOS: the French house that looks like a yacht and is on sale for €2.2m

Couple with a love for sailing want to sell their dream riverside home

France property focus: Puy-de-Dôme

We look at properties ranging from €26,000 to more than €1,000,000 in the volcanic department

Landlords in France can now increase rent for some tenants: when and by how much?

The government has previously implemented a rental ‘shield’ to restrict increases

Confirmed: Electricity bills to drop by 15% from February for most French households

Savings of up to €650 a year are expected for a family of four

Is it possible to apply for compensation after power cut at French home?

Compensation is sometimes given automatically

What is the role of an estate agent when buying a property in France?

Some properties are advertised with multiple agencies

Can a mobile home remain parked in French home garden?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is it possible to transfer property share of French home?

Transfer may be subject to gift tax

Many French property energy efficiency ratings now out of date: How to check yours

The change will affect you if you plan to sell or rent a property

Could France follow Spain’s plan for 100% tax on non-EU buyers of second homes?

Spanish prime minister says country must act to combat rising housing shortage

How should garden waste be disposed of in France if bonfires are not allowed?

Some areas have also banned disposing of green waste at waste centres

Properties you can buy for under €50,000, €150,000 and €1 million in Pas-de-Calais

One of France's most densely populated departments is reinventing itself to appeal to tourists

MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025?

Chances of a successful offer vary considerably depending on the region

Lyon building will be the first in France to achieve sustainable temperature control

Innovative design promises optimal temperatures year-round without traditional heating or cooling systems

Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law?

Insurance companies have their own requirements

Buyer who changed mind on French property purchase handed €37,000 bill

The final sum owed was decided in court

French court orders withdrawal of Linky smart meter in home after health complaints

Homeowners who do not install a meter now face annual surcharge on electricity bill

French property owners and tenants: the rules for obligatory overgrowth clearance

The new regulations also apply to those who let a property